Geniculate Nerve Ablation vs Geniculate Artery Embolization vs Sham for Knee Osteoarthritic Pain

This is a three-arm prospective double-blinded randomized comparative trial aimed at comparing results regarding knee pain improvement in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by either a sham procedure, a geniculate artery embolization procedure or a geniculate nerve ablation procedure. Experienced interventional radiologists and anesthetists at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and study affiliated centers will carry out all interventions. 72 consecutive subjects meeting the eligibility criteria, considered for knee replacement in the future. Patients will be randomized to receive either the embolization procedure, the nerve ablation procedure or a sham procedure. Monitoring of pain will be recorded using visual analog scales, pain medication use, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and osteoarthritis knee and hip quality of life questionnaire (OAKHQOL) questionnaires over a period of 1 year post-treatment or up to the time of surgery. Pain and recovery post surgery will be monitored as well in patients who do get the Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) before the 1 year mark.